Actor Doug Hutchison and his teen wife Courtney Stodden have confirmed reports of their separation. The Green Mile star wed the blonde model and aspiring singer in May, 2011, when she was just 16 and he was 51, but claims surfaced on Friday suggesting they had parted ways. Now the estranged couple has released a joint statement to the DailyMail.co.uk, insisting the split is amicable and the stars will continue to work as professional partners. The statement reads: “After two and a half years of marriage, Courtney and Doug have decided to become legally separated. “Courtney was married at a young age. Now, at nineteen, she’s interested in exploring life as an unmarried single young adult – with the freedom to explore her independence. “Doug supports Courtney 100 per cent. The two will share custody of their precious pup, Dourtney, remain living in the same house (for now) in separate bedrooms, and Doug will be co-managing Courtney’s career.” “We love each other very much, want for each other’s happiness, and will continue being the best of friends for life.” News of their split comes just weeks after Stodden appeared on U.K. reality show Celebrity Big Brother. Stodden and Hutchison revealed they were experiencing trouble in their marriage by taking part in TV series Couples Therapy, during which they received on-air relationship counselling.